Wrapper type can carrier



Oct. 6, 1964 .1. c. SPERY WRAPPER TYPE CAN CARRIER 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Original Filed Nov. 25, 1960 FIG. 1

FIG. 2

INVENTOR. Josapu C. SPERY BY M .lA-W

ATTORNEY Oct. 6, 1964 J. c. SPERY WRAPPER TYPE CAN CARRIER Original Filed Nov. 25,1960

2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 3

Josz n C.S1=:RY

khan/Z ATTORNEY m A A M 1 a m 7 9 1 m 9 B 3 9 N a w w k 8 L 6 W v I mm m United States Patent 3,151,892 WRAFPER TYEE CAN CARRIER Ecseph C. Epery, 12 Vanderhurgh Ava, Larchmont, N51. Griginal apphcation Nov. 25', 1960, Ser. No. 71,769. Divided and this application .iuiy 19, 1961, Ser. No. 125,198

9 Claims. (Cl. 229-49) This invention relates to a wrapper type can carrier. More particularly, this invention is directed to an improved wrapper type can carrier arranged to carry a plurality of cans and to which provision is made for attaching thereto a desirable sale inducing companion article.

This application constitutes a divisional application of co-pending application Serial No. 71,769, filed November 25, 1960, now abandonded.

Today many different kinds of Wrapper type carriers are employed for packaging and distributing a variety of products sold in cans or other like containers, e.g. beer, soda and the like. To enhance the sale of these products over that of a competing brand, resort is often made to the practice of selling each carton or carrier of can goods with some other desirable article attached thereto. However, it has been heretofore a difiicult and concerning problem as to how such companion articles can be associated with such carrier as to not have the companion article become detached, pilfered or lost therefrom, since none of the known Wrapper type constructions provided any facility for attaching thereto a companion article.

Therefore an object of this invention is to provide an improved wrapper type carrier constructed to contain several cans, e.g. six or more, with provisions for fixedly attaching to each carton or wrapper a companion article in a manner so as to insure against lost or unintentional separation of the companion article from the wrapper.

Another object is to provide an improved can wrapper constructed and arranged so as to prevent removal of the companion article without first damaging or destroying the wrapper.

Another object is to provide in an improved can wraper a display window whereby a prospective purchaser may view the attached companion article.

Other features and advantages will become readily apparent from the detail description of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an improved can wraper in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 2 is a section view taken along line 2-2 on FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the blank form which the carrier of H6. 1 is formed.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary detail of the marginal piece shown in folded position.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, wrapper 8%) is constructed and arranged to carry twelve (12) cans in a 3 x 4 arrangement. If desired the size of the wrapper, utilizing the construction herein described can be varied to carry any other convenient number of cans.

Accordingly, the wrapper 8%) of FIG. 1 is formed fiom a single blank of sheet material, such as paperboard or the like. FIG. 3 illustrates the plan view of the blank prior to folding to form the wrapper of P16. 1. The blank 81 for the most part is substantially rectangular. It is provided with a plurality of transversely spaced foldlines F25-F28 for defining the bottom panel 32, one side panel 33, a top panel 84 and the other side panel 85. Each panel 3285 is integrally connected in edge to edge relationship and foldable about the foldline F25 to F23 to define an open end, four sided wrapper when folded. Connected to the edge of side panel and foldable about foldline 28 is an overlapping or securing panel 85. As will be herein described the panel 85 in folded position overlies the bottom panel 82 for securing the wrapper in folded position.

in this form of the invention a marginal strip or piece 37 is integrally connected to the end portions of the bottom, sides, and top panels 32, 83-84, and 85 respectively along longitudinally extending foldlines 29; the marginal pieces 87 terminating at foldline F23. As shown the portions 87A of the marginal pieces 87 opposite the ends of the bottom and top panels 82, 84 respectively are provided with a plurality of arcuate slits 8 5, inwardly bowed to define can retaining or positioning fiaps 89, the function of which will be hereinafter described. Spaced along foldlines P29 in portion 87A of marginal pieces 87 are a plurality of slots 9% spaced opposite each of slits 83, and cooperating with flaps 89 to position the cans in the wrapper when folded, as will be described. Portion of marginal piece 8'7 opposite the ends of the side panels 33, 85 is split to define a flap 91 which is adapted, in folded position of the blank, to overlie the inside end portions of the l-de panels 83, 35 as shown in FIG. 1.

In folding the blank 81 to form the wrapper, the marginal pieces 87 are first longitudinally folded 90 about foldline F29. As shown in FIG. 2, the marginal piece 37 is again folded about a second longitudinal foldline F.3d approximately fill-170 to define a reinforcing bead 92, adapted to extend along the open ends of the wrapper at the top and bottom panels thereof. Each marginal piece 87 is again longitudinally folded about foldlines F31 so that the can retaining fiaps 39 are disposed in overlying position along the inside surface of the top and bottom panels 82, 84 (see FiG. 4). In this position the projection portions 89A of flaps E9 extend through slots 9i as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In this position the fiap 91 are also disposed in overlying position with the inside end portions of the side walls as shown in FIG. 6.

VJith the marginal portions 87 inwardly and reversely folded, as described, the wrapper is then readied to be folded about its transverse foldlines F25, F26, F27 and F23 to define a four sided wrapper open at either end. In the transversely folded position of the blank 81 panel 85 is then folded to overlie a portion of the bottom panel 82.

In accordance with this invention the bottom panel 82 and overlap panel as have cooperating interlocking and retaining tabs 93, 94 cut therein. As shown the interlocking tabs are cut in the edge of panel 86. Retaining tabs complementary with tabs 93 are cut in the bottom panel. Thus, as shown in FIG. 1, the interlocking tabs 93 project through the opening defined by retaining tabs 94 to retain the wrapper in folded position.

To facilitate the positioning of the cans along the side panels 83, 85, a plurality of slits 95 are spaced along folding lines F25F28. Consequently when the panels are folded about their respective transverse foldlines PIES-F28, openings 96 are formed which are adapted to receive the chime portion of the cans, and serve to maintain the cans in position. The cans extending along the open ends of the wrappers are prevented from being displaced by the beads 92, formed along the upper and lower panels as the beads 92 project inwardly therefrom to reduce the open area of the open ends. Thus with the cans positioned in the wrapper, the beads 92 extending along the open end of the wrapper, and openings 96 extending along the sides of the Wrapper, retain the marginal cans in position within the carton or wrapper, the beads also having can positioning spaces formed therein as a result of slits 88.

According to this invention the upper or top panel 84 is provided'with a flap 84A which is foldable inwardly. As hereinbefore described a companion article, which as illustrated is in the form of a record distributed in an open end envelope 97, is fixedly attached to the wrapper by inserting the flap 84A into the open end of the envelope 97. The envelope is disposed within the wrapper in abutting position against the inside surface of the top panel 84. Thus when the cans are in position the record is wedged between the top of the cans and the top panel. The arrangement thus described prohibits unintentional removal of the record without first damaging the carton or wrapper.

If desired the Wrapper 80 may be provided with a .handle, which may be attached or formed integral therewith in any well-known manner.

For the foregoing, it will be noted that the wrapper described is sturdy and is secured in folded position without glue. Also the wrapper is provided with means for afiixing thereto a sale inducing companion article in the form of a record, hook, picture or the like, so as to render it tamperproof. Also the arrangement is such that the companion article is freely visible.

While a specific embodiment of this invention has been shown and described in detail to illustrate the application of the invention principles, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles.

What is claimed is:

1. A foldable can carrier comprising a single blank of sheet material having transversely extending foldlines partitioning said blanks in several panels including a bottom, a first side, a top, and second side integrally connected in edge to edge relationship, a continuous longitudinally extending marginal piece connected along a foldline extending along each end of said bottom and top panels; each of said marginal pieces having slots spaced 'along the foldline at each end of said top and bottom forming panels, a plurality of cooperating can positioning flaps cut in said marginal piece opposite each slot, side wall reinforcing flaps cut in said marginal piece ad- -jacent the ends of the side wall panels, said marginal pieces having spaced longitudinally extending foldlines where each piece is reversely folded along such foldlines to define a triangular reinforcing bead along the top and bottom panel at the open end of said carrier when said panels are folded to about the transverse foldlines, and said top panel having a flap cut therein, an envelope open at one end for containing a premium, said flap being insertable into the open end of said envelope whereby said envelope and premium therein is afiixed to said carrier so that the envelope is deposited within said carrier against the inside surface of said top panel.

2. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein a securing flap is connected to the outer edge of said second side wall, said securing flap being adapted to overlie said bottom panel in folded position of said blank, and said overlapping portion of said bottom panel and securing flap having cooperating interlocking and retaining means cut therein to firmly secure said panel in folded position.

3. The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein the outer edge of said marginal pieces is provided with a projecting tab opposite the free ends of said can retaining flap whereby said projecting tabs are adapted to be received in said slot when said retaining can flaps are rotated 360 to folded position.

4. A foldable can carrier comprising a single blank of sheet material having transversely extending foldlines partitioning said blanks in several panels including a bottom, a first side, a top, and second side integrally connected in edge to edge relationship, a continuous longitudinally extending marginal piece connected along a foldline extending along each end of said bottom and top panels; each of said marginal pieces having slots spaced along the foldline at each end of said top and bottom panels, a plurality of cooperating can retaining flaps cut in said marginal piece opposite each slot, said can retaining flaps having the free ends directed inwardly of said blank, and side wall reinforcing flaps cut in said marginal pieces adjacent the ends of said side walls, said marginal pieces having spaced longitudinally extending fold lines about which each marginal piece is reversely folded along said longitudinal foldlines'to define a tri- V angular reinforcing rim adjacent the top and bottom panel along the open ends of said carrier with said can retaining flaps and side Wall reinforcing flaps cut therein being rotated 360 into overlying position on the end portion of the adjacent panels to provide a retainer for said cans and prohibit displacement thereof when said panels are folded to about the transverse foldlines, and said top panel having a flap cut therein, an envelope open at one end for containing a premium, said flap being insertable into the open end of said envelope'whereby said envelope and premium therein is afiixed to said carrier so that the envelope is deposited within said carrier against the inside of said top panel.

5. A foldable can carrier comprising a single blank of sheet material having transversely extending foldlines partitioning said blanks with several panels including a bottom, a first side, a top, and a second side integrally connected in edge to edge relationship, a continuous longitudinally extending marginal piece connected along a foldline extending along each end of said top and bottom panels; each of said marginal pieces having slots spaced along the foldline at each end of said top and bottom panels, a plurality of cooperating can retaining flaps cut in said marginal piece opposite each slot, said can retaining flaps having the free ends directed inwardly of said blank, and side wall reinforcing flaps cut in said marginal pieces adjacent the ends of said side walls, said marginal pieces having spaced longitudinally extending fold lines about which each marginal piece is reversely folded along said longitudinal foldlines.

6. A foldable can carrier comprising a single blank of sheet material having transversely extending fold lines partitioning said blanks in several panels including a bottom, a first side, a top, and second side integrally connected in edge to edge relationship, a longitudinally extending marginal piece connected along a fold line extending along each end of said bottom and top panels; each of said marginal pieces having slots spaced along the fold line at each end of said top and bottom forming panels, a plurality of cooperating can positioning flaps cut in each of said marginal pieces opposite each slot, said marginal pieces having spaced longitudinally extending fold lines where each piece is reversely folded along such fold lines to define a triangularly shaped reinforcing bead along the top and bottom panel at the open end of said carrier when said panels are folded to about the transverse fold lines, and said top panel having a flap cut therein, an envelope open at one end for containing a premium, said flap being insertable into the open end of said envelope whereby said envelope and premium therein is afiixed to said carrier so that the envelope is deposited Within said carrier against the inside surface of said top panel.

7. A foldable can carrier comprising a single blank of sheet material having transversely extending fold lines partitioning said blanks with several panels including a bottom, a first side, a top, and a second side integrally connected in edge to edge relationship, a longitudinally extending marginal piece connected along a fold line extending along each end of said top and bottom panels; each of said marginal pieces having slots spaced along the fold line at each end of said top and bottom panels, a plurality of cooperating can retaining flaps cut in said marginal piece opposite each slot, said can retaining flaps having the free ends directed inwardly of said blank, and said marginal pieces having spaced longitudinally extending fold lines about which each marginal piece is reversely folded along said longitudinal fold lines.

8. A foldable can carrier comprising:

(a) a single blank of sheet material having a series of spaced transversely extending fold lines defining said blank into several panels including opposed top and bottom panels and opposed side panels connected therebetween to define a closed quadrilateral figure having open ends, a longitudinally extending marginal piece connected along a foldline extending along the edge of said blank adjacent one of said panels, a plurality of can retaining flaps cut in said marginal piece, said can retaining flaps having the free ends directed inwardly of said blank, and said marginal piece having spaced longitudinally extending foldlines, said marginal piece being reversely folded along said spaced longitudinally extending foldlines,

(b) said quadrilateral figure being adapted to confine therein a plurality of cans,

(0) can retaining flaps blanked out of a panel opposed said one panel for retaining a can between said one panel and said opposed panel,

(d) one of said panels defining said closed figure having a U-shaped die cut formed therein to define a flap hingedly connected to said one panel along a fold line disposed between the ends of said die cut,

(2) a substantially fiat envelope for containing a premium,

(1) said envelope having an open end,

(g) and said one panel flap being inserted into the open end of said fiat envelope whereby said envelope is fixedly secured within said carrier in abutting relationship between and against the inside surface of said one panel and cans carried in said carrier.

9. A foldable can carrier comprising a single blank of sheet material having transversely extending foldlines partitioning said blank with several panels including a bottom, a first side, a top, nd a second side integrally connected in edge to edge relationship, a longitudinally extending marginal piece connected along a foldline extending along opposed edge portions of said blank, a plurality of co-operating can retaining fiaps cut in each or" said marginal pieces, said can retaining flaps having the free ends directed inwardly of said blank, and said marginal pieces having spaced longitudinally extending foldlines about which each marginal piece is reversely folded along said longitudinal foldlines.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,175,835 Streit Mar. 14, 1916 1,866,323 Russell July 5, 1932 2,849,112 Forrer Aug. 26, 1958 3,005,654 Stone et al. Oct. 24, 1961 

1. A FOLDABLE CAN CARRIER COMPRISING A SINGLE BLANK OF SHEET MATERIAL HAVING TRANVERSELY EXTENDING FOLDLINES PARTITIONING SAID BLANKS IN SEVERAL PANELS INCLUDING A BOTTOM, A FIRST SIDE, A TOP, AND SECOND SIDE INTEGRALLY CONNECTED IN EDGE TO EDGE RELATIONSHIP, A CONTINUOUS LONGITUDINALLY EXTENDING MARGINAL PIECE CONNECTED ALONG A FOLDILINE EXTENDING ALONG EACH END OF SAID BOTTOM AND TOP PANELS; EACH OF SAID MARGINAL PIECES HAVING SLOTS SPACED ALONG THE FOLDLINE AT EACH END OF SAID TOP AND BOTTOM FORMING PANELS, A PLURALITY OF COOPERATING CAN POSITIONING FLAPS CUT IN SAID MARGINAL PIECE OPPOSITE EACH SLOT, SIDE WALL REINFORCING FLAPS CUT IN SAID MARGINAL PIECE ADJACENT THE ENDS OF THE SIDE WALL PANELS, SAID MARGINAL PIECES HAVING SPACED LONGITUDINALLY EXTENDING FOLDLINES WHERE EACH PIECE IS REVERSELY FOLDED ALONG SUCH FOLDLINES TO DEFINE A TRIANGULAR REINFORCING BEAD ALONG THE TOP AND 